The Bose QC 20i portable noise-canceling earphones have an isolating ear-insert design. These iPod/cellphone-centric earphones can be used with the noise-canceling feature turned on or off, and have a 50-inch audio cord with a modified stereo 4-contact mini-plug that works with iPods, iPads, iPhones, and some cell phones, but it may not be compatible with other audio devices. The earphones have an inline microphone and remote with integrated volume, music player, and call connect/disconnect controls. The QC 20i comes with three pairs of "Stayhear + Tip" ear bowl support earpieces of various sizes, a USB charging cable, and a carrying case. It is covered by a 12-month warranty.

About This Brand

While Bose's best-known headphones are noise-canceling models, it now makes several types, including earphones. Products are usually in the higher price range.

Features & Specs - Bose QuietComfort 20i

Weight (oz.)Reflects the weight, in ounces, of the headphones including the audio cable and batteries, if any.

Weight (oz.)

1.5

Cable length (in.)Cable length indicates the approximate length of the cable from the headset or earpiece to the plug, measured in inches.

Cable length (in.)

50

Battery typeThe number and type of batteries used.

Battery type

Rechargeable lithium-ion

Works with noise reduction offWill operate without the noise-canceling circuitry activated; allows the model to be used as standard headphones if the batteries die.

Works with noise reduction off

Yes

Integrated microphoneHas an integrated microphone for use with some cell phones or audio players with a recorder function.

Integrated microphone

Yes

Call connect/disconnect controlThis allows you to answer or disconnect from a phone call with some cell phones.

Call connect/disconnect control

Yes

Integrated volume controlThis allows you to adjust the volume without having to dig into your pocket or purse for a player.

Integrated volume control

Yes

Integrated player controlThis allows you to control some player functions (for example: play, pause, track skip) via a control without having to dig into a pocket or purse for a player.

Integrated player control

Yes

Detachable cableA detachable cable allows the headphones to be used for noise canceling without the cord being connected to a music or video player, or dangling from the headset.

Detachable cable

No

Monitor function (mute)Has a control that turns off the audio, and in the case of noise canceling models turns off the noise canceling function, so that ambient sounds can be heard. Useful for hearing ambience like travel announcements without turning off the audio player or removing the headphones.

Monitor function (mute)

Yes

Noise canceling unit in earpieceThe electronic circuitry for the noise cancelation function is integrated into headphones earpiece rather than incorporated as a separate module that is integrated into the audio cord.

Noise canceling unit in earpiece

No

Low battery indicatorAn indicator to show that the headphone battery power is low and will need to be replaced or recharged.

I use these primarily for long phone calls and music/movie audio/noise cancellation on long flights. Small format so convenient for taking onboard. Comfortable once you get them settled on/into the ears...but sometimes fall out if they aren't put in just right. I used to use Bose over-the-ear model, which performed as well but were less comfortable and cumbersome due to larger size.

How long have you owned it:

More than six months

Bottom Line

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.

By Open Office Worker

from SC

(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

4.0

It really works!

10/20/2014

Pros

Comfortable

Compact

Great Sound

Cons

Best Uses

Home Audio

Music

Comment:

Listening to Silence in my cubicle. This really cancels the chatter of those around me allowing me to concentrate on work.

How long have you owned it:

A month or less

Bottom Line

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.

By Steve

from Charlotte

(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

Quiet Little Marvel

9/14/2014

Pros

Comfortable

Compact

Durable

Great Sound

Lightweight

Noise Canceling Wonder

Cons

No battery life indicator

Best Uses

Home Audio

Music

Portable Devices

Relaxing

Traveling

With My Computer

Working

Working Out

Comment:

I already had the QC15 headphones, but wanted something more compact, so I bought these and have never looked back. These little earbuds are amazing. You get the noise canceling of the QC15 with the addition of in ear noise isolation and great portability. I really like these things. A negative point is that the battery is internal, so if you are on a plane and the battery dies, you have no noise cancellation. However, unlike the QC15, these will still function as an earbud. The QC 15 will not, but then again, you can just change batteries with them.